Mime therapy improves facial symmetry in people with long-term facial nerve paresis: a randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

QUESTION:

What is the effect of mime therapy on facial symmetry and severity of paresis in people with facial nerve paresis?

DESIGN:

Randomised controlled trial.

PARTICIPANTS:

50 people recruited from the Outpatient department of two metropolitan hospitals with facial nerve paresis for more than nine months.

INTERVENTION:

The experimental group received three months of mime therapy consisting of massage, relaxation, inhibition of synkinesis, and co-ordination and emotional expression exercises. The control group was placed on a waiting list.

OUTCOME MEASURES:

Assessments were made on admission to the trial and three months later by a measurer blinded to group allocation. Facial symmetry was measured using the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System. Severity of paresis was measured using the House-Brackmann Facial Grading System.

RESULTS:

After three months of mime therapy, the experimental group had improved their facial symmetry by 20.4 points (95% CI 10.4 to 30.4) on the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System compared with the control group. In addition, the experimental group had reduced the severity of their paresis by 0.6 grade (95% CI 0.1 to 1.1) on the House-Brackmann Facial Grading System compared with the control group. These effects were independent of age, sex, and duration of paresis.

CONCLUSION:

Mime therapy improves facial symmetry and reduces the severity of paresis in people with facial nerve paresis.

• Authors: Carien H G Beurskens, Peter G Heymans
• Journal: The Australian journal of physiotherapy (Aust J Physiother) Vol. 52 Issue 3 Pg. 177-83 ( 2006) ISSN: 0004-9514 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 16942452 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Drama
• Facial Asymmetry (etiology, rehabilitation)
• Facial Paralysis (complications)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Sensory Art Therapies (methods)
• Treatment Outcome